Playwright John Godber is on the brink of bringing a TV series set and filmed in Hull to life after years of hard work and dedication to the project. The 68-year-old, known for his observational comedies that reflect ordinary people’s lives, has been working on the idea for a television drama set in Hull for quite some time.
Having played a role in setting up the iconic TV show Brookside in the 1980s, Godber has seen firsthand the positive impact a television series can have on a city. He hopes to create a similar effect for Hull with his new project.
“I’d be delighted [if it came off], because it would mean the actors who live here could stay here and work here,” Godber shared in an interview with BBC Radio Humberside. He expressed his excitement about the potential project but also admitted to feeling superstitious and hesitant to reveal too much about it.
Despite facing challenges in getting the TV series off the ground, Godber remains determined to make it happen. He emphasized the importance of setting and filming the series in Hull, rather than using other locations as substitutes.
In the meantime, Godber has started rehearsals for his new play, The Highwayman, which is set to go on tour starting from October 23. The play is based on the exploits of Dick Turpin and John Nevison in the Yorkshire region, focusing on themes of wealth disparity and social inequality.
With his passion for storytelling and dedication to showcasing the people and places of Yorkshire and Humberside, John Godber continues to make a mark in the world of theatre and entertainment. Stay tuned for updates on his upcoming projects and the potential TV series set in Hull.